Click here to view the Souths Cares Photo GalleryRabbitohs Attending NRL One Community Christmas Party
05 Dec 2008
South Sydney centre Jamie Simpson has tackled cancer and won – twice – and
he will bring an inspirational message of hope to special children today at the
NRL’s annual One Community Christmas party at Little Dynamos Play Centre, Waterloo from 12:30pm.
It is the first of two One Community Christmas parties, with another to be
held in Townsville at the ReefHQ Aquarium on Wednesday, December 10.
Simpson will be joined by fellow Rabbitohs Eddy Pettybourne, Luke Capewell,
Chris Sandow, Craig Wing and Roy Asotasi, and will be among 30 NRL players in
bringing some much needed cheer to young patients from Sydney Children’s
Hospital and Royal Randwick Children’s Hospital, along with children in the
Lifeline program and those of Breast Cancer sufferers.
Simpson was 15 when first diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and after
defeating the disease twice, he has spent a lot of time visiting the cancer
community, which earned him a nomination for the prestigious Ken Stephen medal
this year.
But Simpson has vowed to take his community work to a whole new level next
year.
“I was actually stoked, I didn’t realise that I was up for the medal,”
Simpson said.
“I got the Souths Cares award this year, and to be nominated for the
Ken Stephen Medal was unreal.
“To be in there with the likes of Preston Campbell and all the blokes that
do a lot of work in the community was awesome, because I don’t see myself doing
that much.
“But this year I am actually going to kick it up a gear and do a lot more
because I’ve been in the swing of things with training for a year now and I
know what is going on. So I will have more time to concentrate on doing more
things in the community.”
Simpson had an impressive debut season, in 11 games he made seven linebreaks
and scored five tries.
His introduction into the Souths jersey coincided with a five-match winning
streak that kept the Rabbitohs slim finals chances alive.
But it was his work off the field that really raised eyebrows.
“I love going out to the hospitals, Rugby League actually drives me to do
it,” he said.
“To be in a situation that I am in is unbelievable, and to get out there and
help people and be able to motivate them to get over their sickness is really
special.
“Whether it be sick with cancer or whether they are doing it hard with money
and all that kind of stuff, it’s not the same, but all it really comes down to
is that positive thinking.
“If you are thinking I’m not going to get through this, then you are not
giving yourself 100% chance to get through it.”
Simpson credits six-time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett as a huge
influence during his recovery.
“Wayne Bennett once told me that tough times come and go, but tough guys
last forever,” Simpson said.
“It is the best piece of advice I have ever received.
“I think it was harder on my family than it was on me. Being so young you don’t
really understand the magnitude of it.
“You go to the hospitals and you see the young kids sitting around playing
the Xbox and it is the same sort of stuff I used to do.
“I used to go in there and not really take any notice of what was actually
wrong with me, while the parents take the full brunt of it.
“They take it a lot harder than what you do, emotionally.”
Simpson is revelling in his new found profile as an NRL player and is
looking to make the most of it.
So much so that he is rushing back from a Souths training camp in Coffs Harbour
just to be a part of it.
“I think it is really important to give something back as NRL players,” he
said.
“Obviously I have been personally affected by illness, so I know what the
kids are going through.
“The thing I say to a lot of them is that you have to keep your family close
to you. It is the hardest thing you will go through in life and to keep
positive really does help.
“Positive thought breeds positive energy and that kind of gets you through
the hard times.
“If we can make a difference, even for one day, that will
make the Christmas party on Friday worthwhile.”
Snoop Dogg Rocks Redfern
31 Oct 2008
Internationally renowned rap artist Snoop Dogg landed in Sydney yesterday to much fanfare, but nothing
like the reception he received at The Block in Redfern.
Over 400 Redfernites turned out at The Block to welcome Snoop Dogg to the
country, and to show what South Sydney Rugby League is all about. The passion,
the love and the Field of Dreams.
The Block is an infamous area in Redfern, and Redfern Police are trying to
implement programs to help the kids that live on and around The Block, to help
steer them away from the dangers of living on the streets, and into a healthy
lifestyle.
One such program they are trying to get off the ground, with the assistance
of the local community and Souths Cares, is the Field of Dreams project.
Next to world champion boxer Anthony Mundine’s Gym in Redfern, is a block of
land owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company which is approximately 140 metres
long and 30 metres wide, perfect for a mini football field. Level off the
ground, remove the needles and broken glass, put in some removable goal posts,
and you have the makings of an alternative option for kids on The Block to live
a healthy lifestyle and stay away from trouble. A Field of Dreams.
Georgie Israel,
Crime Prevention Officer at Redfern Police, said kids in Redfern need
facilities that give them an alternative to the streets.
“One of the things we identified down at The Block, was complaints from
community people about kids being out in the street playing football, not
having a safe environment to actually kick a football around,” Israel said.
“We sat down with Mick Mundine and discussed some solutions to the problems
and Mick offered The Block as an area to build a Field of Dreams to give the
kids somewhere safe to play.
“We’re looking for sponsorship to help make this happen and give the kids
from Redfern a safe environment and get the community involved as well.”
Assistance came in the form of Souths Cares and Snoop Dogg. Souths Cares are
fully supporting the Field of Dreams project, and players such as John Sutton
and Redfern’s own Nathan Merritt are supportive as well.
Merritt, who grew up around The Block, said it’s important to help the kids
make something of themselves.
“It’s tough growing up in an area like Redfern but some of my best memories
are of playing with my friends around the area,” he said.
“I was lucky that I had football to play and that helped me achieve my goals
and live my dreams playing for the Rabbitohs.
“Some kids don’t have those opportunities, so a Field of Dreams at The Block
will definitely help these kids out.
“Having someone like Snoop Dogg support it too helps big time too. It’s
great to have him down here in Redfern and talking to the people of the area.
It’s massive.”
Snoop Dogg was not just some celebrity in town trying to look good for the
media by turning up in Redfern.
The world’s pre-eminent rap artist started his own kids football competition
called the Snoop Youth Football League in Los
Angeles, taking kids off the streets and giving them
organised sport, friendship and discipline to help guide them through their
difficult formative years.
“I started my own football league where I took basically a community of kids
and put them in a program where they could play football and have something to
do with themselves and stay out of trouble,” Snoop told the hundreds of people
crammed into the Redfern Community Centre.
“I feel that’s the same thing that these people out here are trying to do,
is trying to build you all a Field of Dreams to keep these kids out of trouble
so they can do something positive with themselves.
“Because no matter where you’re from, you can always do something special in
life if you put your mind to it.
“But like I said, no matter where you’re from you can get anywhere you want
to be if you put school first and just do all the things in life that you’re
supposed to do.”
Snoop is a self confessed Nathan Merritt fan. Merritt, in front of his
family, his friends, and his people, had the opportunity to meet his musical
hero, and to present him with a personalised Rabbitohs jersey, complete with
the name ‘Snoop Dogg’ and a huge number 2 on the back, Merritt’s number.
“It was a big thing to meet Snoop and to present him the jersey,” Merritt
gleamed.
“But it’s a bigger thing for these kids to see him and hear what he had to
say about making something of yourself, because it’s true.
“Follow your dreams and you can achieve them.
“My dream was to play for, and represent South Sydney,
and I get to do that every day of my life.
“That’s what Snoop is trying to say and the Field of Dreams will go a long
way to helping these kids achieve their dreams.”
Jamie Simpson Wins Souths Cares Award for Contribution to the Community
03 Oct 2008
Young Rabbitohs star Jamie Simpson has won the Souths Cares Award for
Contribution to the Community for season 2008.
Simpson, who himself has beaten cancer twice, offered his own time on many
occasions to visit kids in hospital who may suffering the same way he was
during his teenage years.
Simpson even visited young Wests Tigers under 20s player Matt Davidson, who
was recently diagnosed with cancer. Simpson spent three hours with Matt,
talking to him about what he can expect and how to fight through it and come
out the other side.
Jamie has formed a strong affiliation with the Sydney Children’s Hospital in
Randwick,
making many visits to the sick kids throughout the season on his own and with
his team mates.
He also has a high involvement with the Souths Cares programs run by Souths
Cares, including taking part in Teacher’s Aide training and mentoring.
Jamie has indicated that in the future he would like to start his own
foundation which supports the families of those suffering from cancer.
Jamie was the Club’s nominee for the NRL’s Ken Stephen
Medal, and is a worthy recipient of the Souths Cares Award for Contribution to
the Community.
The Australian: Outstanding rookie to be influential role model
10 Sep 2008
The following story appears in today's The Australian, written by
Brent Read:
CHRIS SANDOW captured rookie of the year honours at the Dally
M awards last night but his greatest impact could yet result from the work he
plans on doing in his home town of Cherbourg.
Sandow, whose form during the second half of the season for South Sydney earned him the prestigious award, is one of
the year's genuine success stories.
And he hopes to parlay his success into helping talented footballers in Cherbourg, the Aboriginal community about three hours
northwest of Brisbane.
Sandow said he planned to save enough money to buy a home in Sydney which he could use to billet gifted Cherbourg footballers as
they attempt to crack the NRL.
"When I get a bit more money I want to get a bigger house and invite
players from home to come and live with me," Sandow said.
"I want to bring people from Cherbourg
to live with me to try to play footy down here. I want to help kids out in Cherbourg.
"They don't really listen to their mothers and fathers. They look up to
different people in the community. I want to be a role model for them."
Sandow, given an opportunity by Souths after being cut by Gold Coast, has
signed a new deal with the Rabbitohs.
He continues to return to Cherbourg
whenever he can, although his homesickness will be helped by the arrival of his
girlfriend and infant son, Stephen, early next year. They currently live in Cherbourg with Sandow's
mother, Rhonda, a social worker with a government-funded organisation which
works to keep young people out of the juvenile justice system.
"If I hadn't moved here I would have probably been an alcoholic back in
Cherbourg,"
Sandow said.
"That's all they do back there, alchohol and drugs. I think I would
have been in that majority of people back there. For me to get out of Cherbourg is a big
thing."
Hence his desire to help others do the same.
"Some of them look up to guys like us," Sandow said of the kids in
Cherbourg.
"You have to get out of home and do something for yourself, and then
things will come. Back home some of the kids sniff petrol and paint. My mum is
a role model there in the community.
"My mum has been telling me there's a few people wearing Souths gear
there. I love it when kids look up to me. I am pretty much a role model now
back in Cherbourg."
Sandow's rise to prominence was one of the feel-good stories of the season.
But the best is yet to come according to the 19-year-old.
"I had an operation last year on my shoulder," Sandow said.
"I'm playing good footy but I know I can play better. I have been
playing with a shoulder brace but it's wearing me down a bit.
"I spoke to the doctor and he said it could come off next year."
Given the way he played this season, it's nice to think how good Sandow
could be next year with a full pre-season under his belt.
To read the article on The Australian website, click
here.
Souths Cares and NSW Police Drug Forum
01 Aug 2008
Souths Cares, in partnership with the NSW Police Force, would like to invite
parents and children aged between 12 and 18 years to a Drug (ICE) Forum to be
held at the Redfern
Town Hall.
HOST: Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens
FACILITATOR: Jimmy Smith
DATE: Wednesday 6th August 2008
TIME: 6.30pm to 8.00pm
LOCATION: Redfern Town Hall,
73 Pitt St,
Redfern
COST: FREE (for catering purposes
please register)
FORMAT: Hypothetical Scenario.
MAIN AIMS
1. Identify the issues faced by our children that cause them to take drugs.
2. Focus on impact of individual and family decisions
3. Discuss a scenario to keep the discussion practical and focussed on ‘real
world’ systems and situations.
4. Provide an enjoyable and lively interactive session with audience
participation.
PANEL OF EXPERTS
- Dr Adam
Winstock – Drug of Addiction Expert
- Enrique
(Topo) Rodriguez (Triple Rugby Union International: Australia, Argentina
and Tahiti) - Bipolar Consumer Advocate
- Carer of
a child with experience in drug abuse
- Dean
Widders, South Sydney NRL Footballer
- Police
Officer
Also attending will be Souths stars Nigel Vagana, John Sutton, and David Peachey
LUCKY DOOR PRIZE: Signed 2008 South Sydney Football Jersey.
Garlos Pies will be providing refreshments.
Bookings: Loraine Anderson on 02 9265 4509 or Tiffany Normand on 02 8306
9912
“Its not about telling our kids; don’t take drugs! – Its about giving our
kids the information so they can make informed and educated decisions about
their own life! ”
Souths Cares Event Raises Over $70,000
17 Jun 2008
Souths Cares and the South Sydney Rabbitohs hosted a fantastic event last
Friday night at Doltone House in Sydney,
raising over $70,000 for the Club’s charitable arm.
Over 350 guests enjoyed a night of comedy, entertainment and giving, helping
to raise money to fund projects run by Souths Cares in the South
Sydney district.
Renowned comedian Julia Morris hosted the evening which was presented by
Virgin Blue and supported by 8
Central Avenue and NAB.
Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson spoke passionately about the work Souths
Cares is doing and the affect that it can have on thousands of people in the
South Sydney district which will resonate across the entire country.
Rabbitohs players Beau Champion and Jamie Simpson also spoke about the work
they do within the community, with Simpson explaining his story about beating
Hodgkins Lymphoma to go on to make his first grade debut in round 13.
Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe also spoke about the focus of Souths Cares
and the willingness of the players and staff to become more involved
in Souths Cares' community work.
Musical entertainment throughout the night was provided by Move Trees, Blake
Giles and Australia’s
Got Talent finalist Anja Nissen.
To help raise funds a tailored Armani suit was auctioned on the night,
fetching $20,000.
Everyone in attendance had a wonderful night, and all helped raise funds for
Souths Cares to be able to continue the amazing work they are doing in the
community.
Rabbitohs and Souths Cares Provide Answers on Souths Cares Funding
27 May 2008
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Souths Cares have responded to
unsubstantiated reports today that the charitable arm of the Club has not
accounted for $2 million of Federal Government funding.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
approved an Indigenous employment program to be run by Souths Cares based on
Souths Cares assisting to place Indigenous people in employment.
So far the only funding that has been provided is $32,500 to put together
the proposal which has been done with the assistance of an external
organisation called Corporate Conscience, and any further funding will be
forwarded to Souths Cares based on performance of placing Indigenous people in
jobs over a period of time. Neither the Club, nor Souths Cares, has received
any funding above the aforementioned level.
General Manager of Souths Cares John Hutchinson said: “We have a lot of work
to do to receive any government funding which is completely based on
performance.
“I have a meeting with DEEWR next week to discuss the proposal and the next
steps in helping find jobs for Indigenous people. We’ve started to put together
our action plan and strategies to make this a reality and we have plenty of
work to do before we can complete this project.”
Souths Cares is a registered non-profit organisation that
operates within the South Sydney Football Club. Its charter is to support
disadvantaged young people and their families in the South Sydney area as well
as various Indigenous communities and projects throughout Australia. In
order to maximise its reach and impact in the community, Souths Cares seeks to
engage the Rabbitohs in the delivery of programs and raises funds through
sponsorship, fundraising and collaborative partnerships.
Christian’s Starlight wish comes true
10 Apr 2008
Christian
Gioiosa was a special guest at Rabbitohs training yesterday as part of an
initiative of the Starlight Make a Wish Foundation and Souths Cares.
A
big Rabbitohs fan, Christian spent two and a half hours down at Erskineville
Oval watching the South Sydney first grade squad
train with his father Marco, mother Bianca, and brothers Luca and Orlando.
The
youngster’s wish was then granted when he met Rabbitohs and Kiwi captain Roy
Asotasi. Christian, six, then got the chance to chat with the players and wish
them luck for the round five match against the Sharks on Monday night April 14
at ANZ Stadium.
Asotasi
said he was happy to have been able to grant Christian’s wish and put a smile
on his face.
“It
was great to see him happy and I think he really enjoyed watching the boys
train and having a chat with us all afterward,” Asotasi said.
“It
was good to see him and the family having a good time. Christian had a smile on
his face the whole time and I hope we were able to help cheer him up.”
For
more information about the Make a Wish Foundation go to; www.makeawish.org.au.
On a Wing and a Prayer A Huge Success
03 Apr 2008
Craig Wing’s ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ fundraising dinner for Down Syndrome
NSW was an unmitigated success, with over $250,000 being raised for the
worthwhile charity.
Wing was joined by his Rabbitohs team mates, Executive Chairman Peter Holmes
à Court, Head Coach Jason Taylor, Director of Athletic Performance Errol Alcott
, former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh and South
Sydney legends John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, Ian Roberts and Mario
Fenech in helping to raise the much needed funds for the Down Syndrome support
organisation.
Ray Martin was master of ceremonies, and Australian rock legend Diesel and
comedian Brian Doyle entertained the audience of over 600 guests at the
function which was held at Doltone House at Pyrmont Point. Rugby League
commentator Ray Hadley conducted the auction which raised nearly $200,000
itself, media personality Mikey Robbins directed a sports panel with Messrs
Sattler, McCarthy, Roberts and Fenech about their times at the Rabbitohs. Mr
Sattler thrilled the audience when he sang the version of the Rabbitohs victory
song that his team used to sing in the 1960’s and 70’s, on stage at the event.
Wing was thankful for the support shown for the organization.
“I want to thank everyone here for their support of the night and their
support of Down Syndrome NSW,” Craig said.
“I’ve been the patron of Down Syndrome NSW for some years now and I thought
to myself last year, what have I actually done to support them. Six months
later and we’re all here tonight.
“My sister Kirsty is here tonight and she has Down Syndrome. She is a
massive Rabbitohs fan but she is disappointed that we wear red and green, and
not pink and sparkly!
“It’s people like her and our other guests here tonight that we are all here
to support and again I thank you for your help in helping them.”
On-stage dance performances from the ‘Merry-makers’, a group of young men
and women with Down Syndrome, opened the evening, along with stories from
mother Melissa Cottrell whom passionately spoke about how she came to cope with
having her daughter Alyssa born with Down Syndrome. Office-worker and actor
Ruth Cromer also spoke about living with Down Syndrome and what can be achieved
by people with this disability, once given the opportunity.
If you wish to learn more about Down Syndrome and Down Sydney NSW, click on www.dsansw.org.au.
To see photos from the 'On the Wing and Prayer' event, click
here.
Rabbitohs Players Support DSNSW
27 Mar 2008
Souths stars Ben Rogers, Shannon Hegarty, Michael Greenfield and Issac Luke
helped out teammate Craig Wing in his mission to raise funds and awareness for
Down Syndrome NSW.
Craig was due to appear at a Market Day Fundraiser at Wattle Grove Community
Centre on Sunday before injury ruled him out of the event.
The fundraiser was arranged by Down Syndrome NSW for Melissa Cotrell and her
18 month-old daughter with Down Syndrome.
Melissa and her daughter met Craig at the event he organised for last
month’s Charity Shield.
When he couldn't make the event, Craig put the call out to his team mates .
"I sent an SMS to three of the boys expecting maybe one of them to put
their hand up," Wing said.
"It's a big ask to get them to travel all the way out to Liverpool on their Sunday off.
"Within five minutes of me sending out the text, all three players
called me and said were in.
"I was truly touched by their willingness to help me out and the NSW
Down Syndrome Association".
At the event, the four boys were greeted with huge cheers from the 300-plus
crowd and spent the afternoon signing autographs, taking pictures and passing
the footy around.
"These boys are an absolute credit to their club," said Melissa.
"Their willingness to help and the smiles they bought to the kids’
faces was a true highlight of the event.
"We are very grateful that they gave their time to support our event,
but just as importantly, we were truly touched at the generosity and mateship
that they showed to their fallen teammate.”
"It's an absolute pleasure to help out," Shannon Hegarty replied.
"The kids gave all of us a huge buzz, and if the shoe was on the other
foot, Wingy would do it for us.
"That's what you do for a team mate- you’re always there for them both
on and off the field."
Source: One Community website - www.rugbyleague.com.au/onecommunity
Souths Cares raffle winner
03 Mar 2008
Congratulation to Rabbitohs Member Kevin Merriman who was the winner of the
Souths Cares/Virgin Blue raffle at the Charity Shield on Saturday night.
Kevin won $2,500 worth of Virgin Blue flights.
Wing's Off-field Performance for Down Syndrome Kids
03 Mar 2008
Craig Wing not only made the day for thousands of South Sydney supporters with his last-minute try at the Charity
Shield, he also made the year for 25 very special fans.
One of those is Kirsty Wing, Craig's youngest
sister.
Kirsty has Down Syndrome, leading Craig to be a
long-time patron of the Down Syndrome Association of NSW.
Last Saturday he arranged a BBQ at his home for 25
children with Down Syndrome and their carers, followed by a trip to ANZ Stadium
for the annual Charity Shield game.
South Sydney Mascot Reggie Rabbit made an
appearance at the BBQ, alongside South's Executive Chairman and Co-Owner Peter
Holmes à Court, who gave every guest an iconic Rabbitohs cap.
Following an afternoon playing in Craig's backyard,
the guests and their carers hopped on a bus to ANZ Stadium to watch Craig and
the rest of the team in action against the Dragons.
The day could not have ended better for the 25
special guests. Craig's match-winning try was followed by a tour of the
dressing room where a select few of the children celebrated with the team and
met boxing champion Anthony Mundine.
"It was an unbelievable feeling seeing the
kids in the shed," said Craig.
"After (coach) JT spoke to us, two of the kids
addressed the team and thanked us for their support.
"It was inspiring stuff.”
Those who did not make it into the dressing sheds
were also in for a surprise. The 25 kids cheered with pride when Craig jumped
on the bus for the journey back to Bronte.
"The bus trip was just inspiring," said
Priscilla Leong, Marketing and Events Co-Coordinator for Down Syndrome New South Wales.
"Craig Wing is not just a brilliant footballer
he is a brilliant person.
"No words of appreciation can do justice for
what he has done for these kids, I'm speechless".
As for Craig Wing, he claims "not to have done
much".
"Instead, they have done so much for me,"
he says.
"It's hard to explain the effect they have,
but if you just spend some time with these very special kids you will know
exactly what I mean."
Craig Wing is hosting a dinner in aid of Down Syndrome NSW on Wednesday 2
April. To purchase a ticket to "On a Wing and a Prayer" please
contact melanie@internationalevents.com.au.
Source: NRL One Community website - www.rugbyleague.com.au/onecommunity.
Souths Cares Gets Boost from Shadowboxer
18 Feb 2008
Rabbitohs corporate partner Shadowboxer has thrown its support behind the
Souths Cares program for 2008, by making an initial donation of over $2000
worth of products to the organisation this week.
Shadowboxer is hoping that the donation of the equipment will help kids get
serious about health and fitness.
“Souths Cares is an initiative we’re proud to support,” Shadowboxer Founder
and CEO Paul Todd said.
“It falls in line with what we believe in, a healthy body leads to a healthy
mind.
“We’re really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the
underprivileged and we’re hoping to encourage more kids to get out there, give
it a go and make something of themselves.”
Souths Cares assists disadvantaged young people and their families, and
focuses on Indigenous communities throughout Australia.
They do this by drawing on the rich heritage of the Rabbitohs and engaging
current players in the delivery of programs that promote the benefits of
education and healthy lifestyles.
Souths Cares was established by Peter Holmes à Court and Russell Crowe in
2006, with David Peachey joining the
team as a Souths Cares Ambassador in 2007.
“We are really grateful to Todd and his team for supporting us in such a
practical way,” South Cares Manager Simon Dirs said today.
“Shadowboxer will provide the kids in our programs with a fun and unique way
of staying fit and healthy.
The portable nature of Shadowboxer also allows us to use it in regional and
remote programs as well.
“We cant thank them enough.”
Widders and Peachey Attend Apology to Stolen Generation
13 Feb 2008
South Sydney Rabbitohs representatives Dean Widders and David Peachey were joined by North Queensland’s Matt
Bowen and Melbourne’s Greg Inglis in Canberra today, and have
spoken of their pride at being Rugby League’s representatives at the Federal
Parliament’s national apology to the Stolen Generation.
The players witnessed the historic moment from the Parliament Gallery before
joining Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for a reception.
Widders, whose grandmother was a member of the Stolen Generation, said the
national apology was a challenge for all Australians to work together to
improve their communities.
“Aboriginal people need to look at it as a start rather than an end,” the
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward said.
“It should be treated respectfully and as a commencement of big and new
improvements in society.
“All Australians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – need to work hard at
achieving these improvements for the common good.
“We all need to not only say the right things, we need to do the right
things.”
Peachey, who has worked tirelessly for Indigenous communities throughout his
football career, said the national apology was “a special moment of
significance.”
“It won’t heal all the wounds but it is a step into the future,” Peachey
said.
“It’s all about moving forward.”
Bowen, who hails from the remote North Queensland
community of Hope Vale, said he was proud to represent his family and his club
at the historic event.
“It is a huge honour for me personally but I hope I can also represent the
people of North Queensland,” the Cowboys
fullback said.
“My grandparents were from the Stolen Generation.
“I haven’t told my parents yet but I hope my being there will be special for
them, too.”
Inglis, the Storm’s 2007 Clive Churchill Medal winner, agreed: “Tomorrow can
be a new day for all of us. All we need is a new attitude and a fresh start.
“Saying sorry gives us that opportunity.”
The national apology comes just weeks after Rugby League became the first
Australian sport to launch its own National Reconciliation Plan which commits
to a blue-print for helping indigenous athletes make the most of their
professional careers while also assisting development in local communities
through involvement in Rugby League and through the promotion of education
programmes in those communities.
Widders, Bowen and Inglis are among the players who are an advisory group
for the plan, which brings together the individual efforts of these players
with game-wide programmes to promote cultural awareness, reading programmes,
healthy lifestyles, Women in League programmes, regional competitions and elite
athlete development.
The South Sydney Football Club has long and distinguished link with the
indigenous community.
Renowned Rugby League historian Ian Heads put together this history of the
link between the Club and the Aboriginal community.
The link that exists between South Sydney Rugby League Club – the famous
Rabbitohs … The Pride of the League’ – and the Aboriginal community of the
district goes back so far it is almost lost in the mists of time.
It has been a wonderful and mutually beneficial partnership through 76
seasons …and maybe longer. Over the years the club has been, season by season,
a provider of opportunity for young Aboriginal players ……..and in turn the
ranks of the countless talented indigenous players who have answered the call
have been a continual boost to the red and green cause, adding verve and
excitement to the playing style of the Rabbitohs. The stories of champion
Aboriginal players are dotted through the history of the club.
The beginning of one of the great symbiotic relationships of rugby league
came, perhaps, in 1930 – the season when the Redfern All Blacks Club was
formed. The records and stories of that club tell of enthusiastic and fruitful
recruitment in rural district in early years – and especially in such places as
Kempsie, Walgett and south Queensland.
Legendary names dot the ranks ….the likes of Ambrose Morgan and Tony and Mick
Mundine. It is a story dotted with many trophies and much success, the club has
been a small but vitally important nursery for Souths over the years.
The tradition of Aboriginal players donning the famous red and green
jumper and heading into battle in the name of South Sydney
can be traced back to that club. In seasons 1938-39 a full back named Dick
Johnson, who came from the small town of Currabubula was, very likely the first
Aboriginal to play first grade with Souths – and genuine star of his time, good
enough to play for NSW in both of his seasons with the club.
Since the 1950s when men such as Charlie Donovan and then Eric Robinson
played with distinction at Redfern, Souths have probably never been without
Aboriginal players through the grades.
Champions have emerged…… and players of character and rare talent have
been dotted the ranks.
The list goes on:
Johnson, Donovan, Robinson, Eric Ferguson, David Grant, the Longbottoms,
Graham Lyons, Tom Moylan, Les Biles, Buddy Kain, Tom Moylan, Darrell Trindall,
Brad Webb, Claude Williams……….all the way to today’s bearers of the flag such
as Nathan Merritt, Buddy Gordon and Dean Widders…..
There would be little (probably no!) dispute that the champion and dux of
such a class would have to be the peerless goalkicker and full back Eric Simms
(1965-75) who moved with his family from Raymond Terrace to La Perouse when he
was 14….. and set about building a legendary rugby league career. By the time
he left Souths in 1976 he had broken countless records – and accumulated 1841
first grade points for the club. He is remembered as one of the great goal
kickers of the game’s history – and so proficient was he as a kicker of field
goals as well in the late 1960s - that the game’s authorities eventually
reduced the value of the field goal from two points to one (1971).
There with Simms at Souths in the early days of his career there (1967-69)
was one of the great characters – and most spectacular long-range goalkickers -
the game had ever seen – Kevin `Lummy’ Longbottom. The sight of the burly
Longbottom booting goals from half way or beyond was a marvel of the era.
All the players mentioned here – and many, many others – added to the
`character’ that has made South Sydney club so
special down the years. The Souths tradition from the formation days early in
the 20th century to play a spectacular `running game’ suited many
quick-footed indigenous players perfectly. The sight of Nathan Merritt racing
away for yet another try in this brilliant individual year of achievement
recalls all of that. Nathan has worked wonders on the wing for the Rabbitohs of
2006. If, as seems likely, he finished at the head of the season’s try-scoring
list it will be a unique and extraordinary rugby league feat.
And for Souths, a club heading into a bright new era….…the tradition will
continue.
Both groups – the rugby league club and the Aboriginal community of the
district -
look back with a deep sense of pride on the things achieved through more
than 70 years of `working together’. It is a story of harmony ..and opportunity
presented and taken…and of wonderful outcomes…..
This side of the South Sydney story is one of the great ones of
Australian sport – of different cultures working together seamlessly…as
one……..and of the sum being even greater than the two parts: i.e. thrilling
football in the many years of Souths high achievement.
I am delighted to say the partnership survives and
thrives ….and will as long as men wear the cardinal and myrtle of the most
famous rugby league club of them all.
Rabbitohs hospital visit
05 Feb 2008
Rabbitohs stars David Fa’alogo and Manase Manuokafoa visited Randwick
Children’s hospital recently to cheer up a sick South
Sydney fan.
The hulking back rowers paid six-year old Christian Gioiosa and some of his
friends a visit in between training for the season ahead. A big Rabbitohs fan,
Christian recently underwent brain surgery to remove a tumour and was all
smiles as he met two of his football idols.
Fa’alogo and Manuokafa had a chat with Christian and his family and
presented him with a signed Rabbitohs jersey.
Fa’alogo said he had a great day out at the hospital.
“It’s great being able to help put some smiles on these kids’ faces,” he
said.
“They have a bit of a tough time of it and we’re happy to help out when we
can. They were keen on their footy and seemed to have a good time and we did
too.”
Jax Deaf Kids Become Rabbitohs Fans
23 Jan 2008
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have an army of new fans with ten school children
from the Florida School
for the Deaf and Blind joining the South Sydney
faithful today.
Armed with Rabbitohs supporter banners made in their classroom, the ten boys
from the third grade class at the school based in St Augustine, south of
Jacksonville, made the trip to Hodges Stadium at the University of North
Florida to watch the Rabbitohs train in preparation for the Australia Day
Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos this Saturday at 1pm (5am Sunday Sydney
time).
Teachers Kristy Murdoch and Bethany Peacock accompanied the children to the
training session, saying the kids enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
"We're learning about Australia
in geography, and force in motion in science so when we had the opportunity to
come and visit the practice session it made sense for us to take up this
fantastic opportunity," Ms Murdoch said.
"We have 560 kids at the school, which is a boarding school, but four of
these guys are local to Jacksonville.
"The team and coaches were so accommodating of the kids. They did some
passing drills, showing them how to pass it sideways instead of forwards, and
then did some kicking drills too. They really included them in everything, even
to the point of making them do five push ups if they made a mistake with the
ball!
"They even answered a heap of questions from the boys and I can tell
you they all loved it. We want to thank South Sydney
for their hospitality today. It was fantastic for us to all be here."
Rabbitohs player Ben Rogers said the kids did really well during their
interaction with the team.
"They picked up the basic concepts of Rugby League really well which
was good fun," Rogers
said.
"They kicked the ball really well actually and it seemed to put a smile
on their faces which is what it's all about. It was good to see them
here."
To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney
Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the
University of North Florida at 1pm (Jacksonville time), visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.
For more information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study
opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G'Day USA
calendar. For more information about G'Day USA, visit www.australia-week.com.
To listen to the Australia Day Challenge game call live on Sunday 27 January
at 5am (Sydney
time), visit www.1010XL.com.